Women aren't associated with "fearlessness" enough. In my opinion, their successes are often overlooked in many capacities but most notably in the business world. This book highlights nearly 100 women that have created change, seized opportunities and persevered past boundaries we can only imagine. Their stories will inspire you out of your comfort zones, and these 5 lessons will get you started moving towards your goals today!
Meet Katharine Graham
Her father was a leading publisher. Her husband took over for him when he passed but battled depression and later took his own life. This widowed mother of 4 had to decide if she should sell her business or step up. The Washington Post she took over and grew. It went public and earned a reputation for stellar journalism. After covering the Watergate scandal, the government tried to shut her down but she went hard, securing a victory in the Supreme Court for freedom of the press.
She was the first female fortune 500 CEO.
THE LESSON: Look at all situations as opportunities. Traumatic events can be turned into triumphs with determination and focus.
"To love what you do and feel that it matters-how could anything be more fun?"
Meet Susan Wojcicki
Sometimes opportunities present themselves in a way you will never understand the impact of at the time that you say "yes". This was the case for Susan when she rented out her garage to two computer science students. Not only did she risk a rental but she was 4 months pregnant when she quit her job to join them. She was Google's 16th employee. As they grew a global empire, she later became the head of YouTube, shaking up the status quo with her hard work and vision ensuring ESPECIALLY in the tech space that women got an equal shot!
THE LESSON: There are rarely BIG successes without risk. When you own your inner truth, go after your goals armed with it. Regardless of what's been done, think it hasn't been done yet.
"Rarely are opportunities presented to you in the perfect way. In a nice little box with a yellow not on top. 'Here, open it, it's perfect. You'll love it.' Opportunities -the good ones- are messy, confusing and hard to recognize."
MEET ROBIN ROBERTS
Most women fear cancer but never deal with, especially twice. As a breast cancer survivor, Robin then had to deal with a rare blood disorder. To see she has perseverance is an understatement. She played tennis and basketball which equipped her for skills later on when she broke in to a male-dominated profession in sports broadcasting showing up on ESPN and NFL Primetime. She's now an Emmy-winning host on Good Morning America setting a prime example of growth, strength and determination.
THE LESSON: We will all struggle and all deal with hard things. There is no reason you can't come out on top. Persevere with the tenacity of a solider through the trials and stay determined through the course.
"Being optimistic is like a muscle that gets stronger with use. You have to change the way you think in order to change the way you feel."
MEET DIANA VREELAND
We always felt bad for the ugly duckling like their lives was somehow sub-par because of their color. But if they were anything like Diana, they would be the one to desire a life like! While she was dismissed from her prominent Paris family, she decided to embrace her differences as distinctions and made it her mission to encourage others to think the same. This is pivotal to her success in the fashion world. Starting her career with a column titled "Why Don't You?" in Harpers Bazzar, she turned things like fruit hats into a trend. Her vision was much outside of the actual value she was. After 26 years of service, she final got a $1,000 raise.......on her $18,000 salary. It was the 50s but that disconnect in value caused her to shift to Vogue when they asked her where she became editor in chief.
THE LESSON: Embrace your individuality. They are unique traits and special gifts that were meant for you. Most only compare and dismiss. Embrace and live them authentically. It's in that space you can truly become who you were meant to be.
"Style-all who have it share one thing: originality."
MEET SHEILA WELLINGTON
Much of her beginning career was spent in mental health facilities. In her 18 years there, she experienced a budget freeze that left her with every managers worst nightmare, short-staffed. Instead of letting fear and chaos take over, she lead her team with poise and creative thinking. Out of necessity they came up with a forward-thinking day-treatment program that is now a nationwide model. Her next mission was to redefine women in the workplace. She became the first female secretary and VP at Yale and became the head of a nonprofit called Catalyst. They focused on diversity and inclusion initiatives for companies. She found a big gap that showed men have a professional advantage over women when it comes to mentorship. She wrote a book titled "Be Your Own Mentor" which highlights more of her lessons.
THE LESSON: Let your short-comings and situations be a catalyst for creative change. When you can't find someone to lead you, lead yourself.
"At the end of the day, it's not how far you fall but how high you bounce."
I found this at a local store and immediately knew I had to have it. If you have to have it to, and it sure does make a great office or tabletop book, grab yours here.
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